Head of Power trading

Job Title: Head of Power Trading

Location: London, UK

Base Salary: £130,000 per annum (plus performance-based bonuses and benefits)

Reports to: Chief Trading Officer (CTO) / Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

About the Company:

Our client is a leading global energy company that is focused on the transition to renewable energy sources while ensuring efficient and sustainable energy trading strategies. With an innovative and forward-thinking approach, they are committed to maintaining their position as a market leader in energy markets while driving the growth of their power trading operations.

Role Overview:

The Head of Power Trading will be responsible for leading and overseeing the Power Trading division, driving strategy, risk management, and performance in energy markets. The role requires a high degree of expertise in power market dynamics, trading strategies, and regulatory compliance, alongside the ability to lead a team of traders to deliver profitable and efficient trading outcomes.

You will play a key role in shaping the long-term strategy for power trading, influencing key decisions regarding market entry, risk exposure, and portfolio management. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of trading, energy market transformation, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute a robust trading strategy for power, optimizing short-term and long-term trading opportunities within wholesale power markets.
• Lead the power trading team and ensure the seamless execution of trading strategies across various energy markets.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on corporate strategies, ensuring alignment between trading activities and company-wide business goals.
• Represent the power trading division in executive leadership meetings, providing insights and updates on market conditions, performance, and key developments.
• Oversee strategic decision-making processes for expanding the company\’s position in new markets or assets, including international markets.

Trading & Market Operations:

• Supervise day-to-day trading activities, ensuring the effective management of risks and positions within the power markets (e.g., day-ahead, intraday, forward, and balancing markets).
• Develop and manage trading strategies for electricity, capacity, and ancillary services, ensuring competitive positioning within the market.
• Optimize the trading portfolio and provide oversight to ensure alignment with the company’s overall energy trading goals.
• Monitor and analyze market trends, regulatory changes, and other factors affecting market pricing, liquidity, and risk, recommending strategies to maximize profitability.
• Collaborate with risk management teams to ensure proper monitoring of exposure and compliance with market limits and regulations.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing power trading team, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
• Provide guidance on technical and tactical trading issues, and ensure the team is equipped with the necessary skills and tools to perform at a high level.
• Manage performance, setting clear objectives, monitoring progress, and implementing development plans for team members.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement, ensuring the team is up to date on the latest market developments, regulations, and best practices.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive risk management framework, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall risk appetite and compliance requirements.
• Work closely with the risk and compliance teams to ensure adherence to all regulatory and legal requirements in the power markets.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize exposure to market volatility and adverse events.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on the performance of the trading book, ensuring all positions are appropriately hedged.

Stakeholder Management & Reporting:

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across internal departments (e.g., risk, finance, legal) and external stakeholders (e.g., regulatory bodies, market participants).
• Provide detailed and timely reporting on trading activities, performance, and risk management to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Ensure that all relevant compliance, regulatory, and financial reporting requirements are met accurately and in a timely manner.

Innovation & Market Insights:

• Stay informed on market trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes that could impact power trading strategies and decision-making.
• Leverage innovative trading tools, data analytics, and technology to enhance trading performance and streamline operations.
• Explore and lead the adoption of new trading strategies, such as renewable energy trading, grid balancing, and the integration of storage assets.

Key Requirements:

Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience (10+ years) in power trading or related energy market roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership position.
• Extensive knowledge of power market structures (UK, EU, and international markets), trading strategies, and key drivers of price movements in electricity markets.
• Strong understanding of energy regulations and compliance requirements in the UK and Europe, with the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
• Experience in managing a trading book, hedging, and executing trades in a risk-managed environment.
• A solid track record of leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing trading teams.
• Experience in managing P&L and ensuring profitability through effective risk management and strategy execution.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and drive a team toward high performance and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen understanding of market data, analytics tools, and decision-making frameworks.
• Ability to think strategically and tactically in dynamic, fast-paced market environments.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to senior executives and external stakeholders.
• A strong network of relationships within the power trading and energy market communities is a significant advantage.

Education:

• A degree in a relevant field (e.g., Finance, Economics, Engineering, or Energy Management) is preferred.
• Advanced qualifications or certifications in energy trading, risk management, or financial markets (e.g., CFA, FRM, or equivalent) would be beneficial.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary of £130,000 with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, pension plan, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and further education/training.
• Flexible working options and a collaborative work environment.

Application Process:

To apply for the Head of Power Trading role, please submit your updated CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and suitable candidates will be contacted for interviews.